Foot Corns & Callus Treatment

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Corns & Callus

Corns and calluses on the foot can cause significant discomfort, often feeling like you’re walking on a pebble with every step. Our skilled podiatrists safely and effectively remove corns and calluses without harming the surrounding healthy skin usually pain-free. Beyond treatment, we identify the underlying causes to help prevent recurrence, saving you time, money, and future discomfort.
Podiatrist mandrilling corns and callus off the right foot of patient lying down

Table of Contents

What Is A Foot Callus & Why Does It Develop?

A foot callus is a thickened area of skin that forms on the bottom of the foot. It develops as a natural response to repeated pressure and friction. This thickening helps protect the skin and reduces the risk of breaking, which could lead to infections.

However, when calluses become too thick, they can cause discomfort and pain. The extra pressure can affect the tissues, joints, and bones underneath. Since callus is made of dead skin without nerve endings or blood, removing it is usually painless. It’s a simple process, much like cutting your hair.

What Is A Corn?

A foot corn is a thickened area of dead skin, similar to a callus, but with key differences. Corns form at specific points, usually small (2mm–20mm), and grow deeper into the skin in a cone shape. This deeper growth makes them more painful, especially on weight-bearing areas of the foot.

Corns can also develop between the toes due to friction. When this happens, they absorb moisture from sweat and become “soft corns.” These are softer and whiter than regular corns. The surrounding skin is more delicate, so extra care is needed to remove them safely.

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Phone: 07 5510 9222

Located within Hope Island Marketplace Medical & Skin Clinic, 99-103 Broadwater Ave Hope Island QLD 4212

Phone: 07 5546 9766

 Located Within Jimboomba Medical Centre, Unit 1/69 Cerina Cct, Jimboomba QLD 4280

Phone: 07 3287 2224

Located Within Beenleigh Mall Medical Centre, Shop24A, 40/68 Main Street, Beenleigh QLD 4207

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Located Within Eagleby Family Practice, 5/120 River Hills Rd, Eagleby QLD 4207

Phone: 07 4635 6111

Located Within Toowoomba Medical Centre, 146 Drayton Road, Harristown QLD 4350

Phone: 07 3067 2370

Located Within Marsden Family Doctors, Shop 28/55-77 Chambers Flat Rd, Marsden QLD 4132

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Located Within Keperra Medical Clinic, 14 Dallas Parade Keperra QLD 4054

Phone: 07 5573 5663

Located Within Doctors @ Coomera Central, Shop 6, 21 Coomera Grand Drive, Upper Coomera, QLD 4209

Phone: 07 4633 8700

Located Within Ochre Medical Centre Wyalla, Shop 20, 238 Taylor Street, Newtown QLD 4350

How Are Foot Corns & Calluses Treated?

Corns and calluses on the bottom of your foot can be quickly and painlessly treated by your podiatrist in one visit. Calluses are safely reduced, leaving a small, comfortable protective layer. Corns are expertly “scooped out,” providing immediate relief from the discomfort of walking on a pebble and making a noticeable difference when you step

The Difference Between Corns & Warts

It’s not uncommon for corns and warts to be misdiagnosed, as their appearance can be quite similar, especially on the bottom of the foot. To properly identify the lesion, we carefully remove the top layer of skin, which is painless since it’s dead tissue. This allows us to examine the underlying tissue, revealing distinct differences between corns and warts.

The treatment for corns and warts differs significantly, and incorrect treatment can lead to unnecessary pain. We strongly recommend seeing one of our experienced podiatrists for an accurate diagnosis before starting any treatment.

What About Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels typically start as calluses around the heel, but when the skin becomes excessively dry and thick, cracks can develop. While the callus itself is usually painless, the cracks can deepen into healthy skin, leading to bleeding and a higher risk of infection. We can help treat and reduce the cracked callus to prevent further issues

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Corns & Callus FAQ's

Foot corns commonly develop on the tops and sides of toes. Hard corns appear as small patches of thickened, dead skin with a dense centre. Soft corns, on the other hand, are softer and whiter due to absorbing excess moisture.
Foot corns are mainly caused by excessive strain on the feet. This often results from wearing tight shoes or spending long periods standing or walking. The combination of body weight and friction leads to skin damage, which can develop into a foot corn.

Foot corns can be effectively treated in just one appointment with your podiatrist. After assessing the affected area, they will gently remove the corn, providing immediate relief and making walking noticeably more comfortable.

A podiatrist can safely reduce calluses, leaving a small protective layer intact for comfort. Attempting to remove corns or calluses yourself is not advised, as it can damage healthy tissue or blood vessels, increasing the risk of infection or scarring.

To prevent foot calluses, wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly. Avoid tight shoes or high heels that increase friction. Gel pads or foam inserts can help reduce pressure and protect your skin.

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